Calvin on Work

Again, in all our cares, toils, annoyances, and other burdens, it will be no small alleviation to know that all these things are under the superintendence of God. The magistrate will more willingly perform his office, and the father of a family confine himself to his proper sphere. Every one in his particular mode of life will, without repining, suffer its inconveniences, cares, uneasiness, and anxiety, persuaded that God has laid on the burden. This too, will afford admirable consolation, that in following your proper calling, no work, will be so mean and sordid as not to have a splendour and value in the eye of God.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, Chapter 10, Paragraph 6.

Calvin on physics and the natural sciences.

Book II. Chapter II Section 16. (p. 236) of the Calvin's Institutes.

But if the Lord has been pleased to assist us by the work and ministry of the ungody in physics, dialectics, mathematics, and other similar sciences, let us avail ourselves of it, lest, by neglecting the gifts of God spontaneously offered to us, we be justly punished for our sloth. Lest any one, however, should imagine a man to be very happy merely because, with reference to the elements of this world, he has been endued with great talents for the investigation of truth, we ought to add, that the whole power of intellect thus bestowed is, in the sight of God, fleeting and vain whenever it is not based on a solid foundation of truth.

Calvin on the Theater of God

Meanwhile, being placed in this most beautiful theatre, let us not decline to take a pious delight in the clear and manifest works of God. For, as we have elsewhere observed, though not the chief, it is, the first evidence of faith, to remember to which side soever we turn, that all which meets the eye is the work of God, and at the same time to meditate with pious care on the end which God had in view in creating it.

...when we consider how great the Architect must be who framed and ordered the multitude of the starry host so admirably, that it is impossible to imagine a more glorious sight, so stationing some, and fixing them to particular spots that they cannot move; giving a fitter course to others, yet setting limits to their wanderings; so tempering the movement of the whole as to measure out day and night, months, years, and seasons, and at the same time so regulating the inequality of days as to prevent everything like confusion. The former course is, moreover, exemplified when we attend to his power in sustaining the vast mass, and guiding the swift revolutions of the heavenly bodies, &c. These few examples sufficiently explain what is meant by recognising the divine perfections in the creation of the world. Were we to attempt to go over the whole subject we should never come to a conclusion, there being as many miracles of divine poser, as many striking evidences of wisdom and goodness, as there are classes of objects, nay, as there are individual objects, great or small, thoughout the universe.
Institutes of the Christian Religion Book I, Chap. XIV, Paragrahs 20 and 21.

9/11 Cross

I watched Huckaby on September 12, 2010. He had a big segment on the 9/11 cross. Steel beams were discovered in the 9/11 wreckage that were somehow transformed into the shape of the cross. He invited the construction worker who discovered the cross onto the show. The construction worker talked about how the beams gave him hope. He said it wasn't religious. It was for all mankind. Huckaby, then interviewed a Jewish rabbi. The rabbi thought it was great. He wasn't a Christian, but he supported this cross. It wasn't religious. It gave and continued to give hope to all mankind. The program then showed a photograph of a large group of people gathered with hands raised in worship.

"Oh my God!", I thought, "they separated the symbol of the cross from the person and work of Jesus Christ. They made a piece of wreckage an idol". They are worshiping a thing made by human hands as God. Man's foolishness knows no bounds.

Calvin on man being God's workmanship

For how can the idea of God enter your mind without instantly giving rise to the thought, that since you are his workmanship, you are bound, by the very law of creation, to submit to his authority?—that your life is due to him?—that whatever you do ought to have reference to him: If so, it undoubtedly follows that your life is sadly corrupted, if it is not framed in obedience to him, since his will ought to be the law of our lives.

(Institutes p. 41 Book 1. Chapter II, Section 3)

The Early Church and Missions

I am reading Justo Gonzalez's The Story of Christianity

He writes,

Another surprising fact about the early expansion of Christianity is that, after the new Testament, very little is said of any missionaries going from place to place, like Paul and Barnabas had done. It is clear that the enormous spread of the Gospel in those first few centuries was not due to full-time missionaries, but rather to the many Christians who traveled for other reasons—slaves, merchants, exiles condemned to work in the mines, and the like.

The real work of missions has always been the lay people.

Matthew B. Crawford: The moral significance of work

Shop Class as Soul Craft
The moral significance of work that grapples with material things may lie in the simple fact that such things lie outside the self. A washing machine, for example, surely exists to serve our needs, but in contending with one that is broken, you have to ask what it needs. At such a moment, technology is no longer a means by which our mastery of the world is extended, but an affront to our usual self-absorption. Constantly seeking self-affirmation, the narcissist views everything as an extension of his will, and therefore has only a tenuous grasp on the world of objects as something independent. He is prone to magical thinking and delusions of omnipotence. A repairman, on the other hand, puts himself in the service of others, and fixes the things they depend on. His relationship to objects enacts a more solid sort of command, based on real understanding. For this very reason, his work also chastens the easy fantasy of mastery that permeates modern culture. The repairman has to begin each job by getting outside his own head and noticing things: he has to look carefully and listen to the ailing machine. p. 16 -17

Aristotle begins his Metaphysics with the observation that “all human beings by nature desire to know.” I have argued that real knowledge arises through confrontations with real things. Work, then, offers a broadly available premonition of philosophy. Its value, however, does not lie solely in pointing to some more rarefied experience. Rather, in the best cases, work may itself approach the good sought in philosophy, understood as a way of life: a community of those who desire to know. p. 199

Symmetry and the design of God

Dr. Stephen Barr on Symmetry in Creation

If symmetry is found in works of art of every sort, and is an important element in what it is to be beautiful, and if as well the laws of nature are based on symmetries that are so sophisticated and so deep that while we may study them with the tools of modern mathematics they lie far above our mental powers to appreciate on an intuitive level, does that not suggest the mind of an artist at work that if far above the level of our minds? When we contemplate this strange and beautiful universe, well may we ask, in the words of the poet Blake, “What immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?”

Modern Physics and Ancient Faith p. 104

Working hard and God working in us. (1 Cor. 15:10)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Cor. 15:10)

Paul Dirac quote on Beauty and Mathematics

I went to a lecture given by Stephen Barr. It was very good. He quoted Paul Dirac so I googled beauty on mathematics and got the following quote:

"God used beautiful mathematics in creating the world."

If you consider how God used Wisdom to create the universe, this statement makes a lot of sense.

Sabbath and denying ourselves -- Leviticus 16

Leviticus 16

"This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves [b] and not do any work—whether native-born or an alien living among you- 30 because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins. 31 It is a sabbath of rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance.

I thought the connection between sabbath rest and denying ourselves was interesting. Christ is our atonement, but when have we deny ourselves on our day off?

Grandpa Thompson

Two events happened to me this week. First, I heard through the grapevine last week that an old friend of mine, Doug, is dying of cancer. His wife died of cancer a few years ago. Fortunately, he married again and his children are mostly grown, but I'm sure they were devastated when they heard the news. The doctors told him he has only a few years to go. It was sad. The second bit of news was my daughter-in-law told me she was pregnant last Saturday (01/16/2010).

These two events started me thinking. If I were to be diagnosed with cancer what would my legacy be to my grandchild or hopefully in the future, grandchildren. I am not writing so much about my physical life, but my spiritual life. My parents loved to travel and their stories of traveling around Europe and the United States were a fascinating legacy to me. My father is also into genealogy. This too is a legacy. I've traveled some for work, but I would like to think I would pass down a more spiritual legacy. I've study the bible for years. I've read C. S. Lewis, R. C. Sproul, John Piper, Jonathan Edwards, John Owens, Alistair McGrath, Francis Schaefer, and J. I. Packer, and so much more. I've taken quite a spiritual journey for someone who is not a seminarian or scholastically trained in theology. I am wondering is there a way to pass this journey, this passion, onto my grandchild.

Jonathan Edwards on the Ennobling the Soul

From a Jonathan Edwards Sermon,

This is the most excellent and divine wisdom that any creature is capable of. It is more excellent than any human learning; it is far more excellent than all the knowledge of the greatest philosophers or statesmen. Yea, the least glimpse of the glory of God in the face of Christ doth more exalt and ennoble the soul, than all the knowledge of those that have the greatest speculative understanding in divinity without grace. This knowledge has the most noble object that is or can be, viz., the divine glory or excellency of God and Christ. The knowledge of these objects is that wherein consists the most excellent knowledge of the angels, yea, of God himself.

http://www.ccel.org/e/edwards/sermons/supernatural_light.html

Because God Sees

I read about a group of women who were having dinner together shortly after one of them returned from Europe. One of the women, a stay-at-home mom, was particulary low in spirit that day. She hadn’t been to Europe or anywhere else exciting. Her life felt so drab she felt like she was invisible. She was surprised when her returning friend presented her with a gift. It was a book about the great cathedrals of Europe. Inside the cover, her friend had inscribed, “With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when only God sees.”

Inside the book she read the account of how one of the cathedrals was built. A visitor saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He watched the craftsman’s concentrated movements for a few minutes then looked up at the entire massive edifice under constant construction for a century. He asked the carver, “Why are you spending so mich time chiseling a tiny bird into a beam that will be covered by the stone roof: It will be hidden from everyone’s view.

Without looking away from his work, the craftsman replied, “Because God sees.”

As the woman read this story, she thought of the things in her life that were hidden from view: baking for church receptions, sewing patches on children’s jeans, bandaging scrapes, cleaning the house, then cleaning it again when it was left messy—she remembered now that God saw, and she felt better. Most of all, she realized that her friend had done a little carving on the weary beams of her soul. It was uplifting, edifying encouragement from a friend just at the right time—which is the way God uses us within the body, even when we don’t realize it.

David Jeremiah in Living with Confidence in Chaotic Times

Mom's death

My mom had alzheimer's. As far I can tell she had a stroke, then a aneurism, and then she died a few days later. My mom was in much pain for a few days. My dad was magnificent. He was with her as much as possible. He rubbed noses with her. He kissed her. He sweet talked her. He truly loved her. He told her they had a good life. He told her to think of all the trips they travelled together. My parents travelled to all the fifty states except Vermont. They travelled all over Western Europe. My dad even met some cousins in Norway. They had grand experiences together.

Maybe just because I'm her son I have a different perspective. Maybe, because I'm a Christian, I have a different perspective. My mom survived cancer and several other ailments to take care of and reared two boys and two girls. Three of the four children, earned Master Degrees. She volunteered as a den leader for Cub Scouts. She encouraged me to get my MBA. My mother lived a good life and she should have no regrets. I want to travel, but when someone comforts me when I lay dying, I want to be reminded of the people I encouraged and helped. How I was good husband and a good father. How much God loves me and how much it seems I loved God.

Mom, you were a great mother and I miss you deeply.

Mom

My mother was just sent to a hospice. For the lack of a better spot, here are some fond memories.

1. Mom was always there for us. She volunteered as a den leader for Cub Scouts. She always attended all the band events and Scouting events.
2. Mom loved garage sales. She always noticed a garage sale sign when she was driving or riding in a car. Early in my marriage, my wife and I were visiting my parents. She had cataracts at that time so she couldn't see very well. We were on I-29 headed into Council Bluffs. We had to be going at least 55 mph. Mom suddenly said, "Ooh! there is a garage sale!" She may not have been able to identify me from 20 feet a way, but a garage sale she could spot from miles away.
3. Mom was proper in front of the children. She never swore and was embarassed when other people used crude language. My brother and I were about 10 years-old I think. We were asking the visiting farm expert, grandma, what the things were that hung down from the utter. My grandma said 'Teats,' which in southwestern Iowan sounded like 'Tits.' Mom said, "oh mom!" We started laughing. Grandma, "Now, Janet what else do you call them?" Mom was a little discouraged.
4. One of mom's favorite stories was how she would sometimes ride a horse to school. I always thought that was cool.
5. Mom was always a fan of basketball. She played 6-player basketball when she was in high school. I think she said she was a good passer and shot the long shot. One of my mom's biggest disappoints is that none of her children were in organized sports like basketball.
6. Mom and dad danced together, they played cards together. They got along incredibly well. Their favorite song to dance to was "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown." by Jim Croce.
7. Mom had an incredible social intelligence before her alzheimers. Grandma and she would talk about who was related to who. Dad and mom used to talk about her relations too. I carpooled with a guy, Ron Goshorn from Shelby. Over the years we talked. Since Underwood is close to Shelby, we found out that Ron's dad and uncle worked for my grandma. Later on, I found Ron was related to Jack Hester. My mom said, "oh yes." She then identified how Ron and I were related to each other. Something like second cousins through a marriage.

Owen on Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

(Zephaniah 3:17 KJV).

God joys over us. According to Owen, the word means an outward expression of joy such as leaping. God is so happy that he is singing over us.

Here is the quote from Chapter 3 in Communion of God by John Owen.

(1st.) The love of God is so. Zeph. 3: 17, "The LORD thy
God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will
rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love; he will
joy over thee with singing." Both these things are here
assigned unto God in his love, - REST and DELIGHT. The words
are, "yacharish be'ahavato" - "He shall be silent because of
his love." To rest with contentment is expressed by being
silent; that is, without repining, without complaint. This God
does upon the account of his own love, so full, so every way
complete and absolute, that it will not allow him to complain
of any thing in them whom he loves, but he is silent on the
account thereof Or, "Rest in his love;" that is, he will not
remove it, - he will not seek farther for another object. It
shall make its abode upon the soul where it is once fixed, for
ever. And COMPLACENCY or DELIGHT: "He rejoiceth with singing;"
as one that is fully satisfied in that object he has fixed his
love on. Here are two words used to express the delight and
joy that God has in his love, - "yasis" and "yagil". The first
denotes the inward affection of the mind, joy of heart; and to
set out the intenseness hereof, it is said he shall do it
"besimchah", - in gladness, or with joy. To have joy of heart
in gladness, is the highest expression of delight in love. The
latter word denotes not the inward affection, but the outwards
demonstration of it: "agalliain" seems to be formed of it. It
is to exult in outward demonstration of internal delight and
joy; - " Tripudiare," to leap, as men overcome with some
joyful surprisal. And therefore God is said to do this
"berinnah" - with a joyful sound, or singing. To rejoice with
gladness of heart, to exult with singing and praise, argues
the greatest delight and complacency.

Rejoicing in the Lord

"And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God in all that you undertake." Deut. 12:18c.

"Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things" (Deut. 28:47)

How can this be? How can God command our emotions? How can God command us to have gladness of heart? Maybe, God is commanding the way things ought to be and not commanding if we can do the commands with an unregenerated heart.

Struggling in Prayer

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

Romans 15:30

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

These passages have convicted me. When is the last time I struggled or wrestled in prayer for the maturity of the members in my local Church?

AIG and God

AIG has just given bonuses to their financial division that specializes in derivative investing. Obama and congress are in an uproar because they gave AIG over 100 billion dollars to bail them out. Here's what one Psalmist has to say about it:

PSALM 49

5(G) Why should I fear in(H) times of trouble,
when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,
6those who(I) trust in their wealth
and boast of the abundance of their riches?
7Truly no man(J) can ransom another,
or(K) give to God(L) the price of his life,
8for(M) the ransom of their life is costly
and can never suffice,
9that he should live on forever
and(N) never see the pit.

10For he sees(O) that even the wise die;
(P) the fool and the stupid alike must perish
and(Q) leave their wealth to others.
11Their(R) graves are their homes forever,[a]
their dwelling places(S) to all generations,
though they(T) called lands by their own names.
12Man in his pomp(U) will not remain;
(V) he is like the beasts that perish.

Apollo 15

The following is a possible introduction to a possible doctrine class that I may or may not be teaching.

In From Earth to the Moon in the chapter on Apollo 15, NASA mission leaders were meeting to discuss the landing site for Apollo 15. Two sides were deadlocked. The space engineers wanted the Marias Hills and the geologists wanted Hadley Rill in the Apennine mountains. This had been a debate for months. The Marias hills landing site was safe. The Appennine Mountains location was a more dangerous, but geologically significant. This meeting lasted for hours, but at last, exasperated, they asked David Scott, the commander of Apollo 15, where he would desire to land. He had remained silent for much of the debate so he hesitated before he spoke. He gave some geological reasons and addressed the safety issues; however, at the end he said:

The Appennine Mountains has something else. They have grandeur. I think there is something to be said for exploring beautiful places. It is good for the spirit.

This speech convinced NASA to land at Hadley Ridge. I agree beautiful places should be explored; however, I think there is something to be said for exploring the most beautiful person. Pursue with reckless abandon the topic that has more grandeur than all created things: God Himself. Shall we not explore Him? Shall we not know Him better? The way is dangerous and difficult. We have pathfinders who blazed the trail before us, but we must be careful to not fall into pitfalls that caused the most incautious to fall. This class will not even make it to the foothills, but shall attempt to identify the larger peaks.

Thessalonians and Work

I Thessalonians 4:10-12
Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.(NIV)

The Sinful Woman and Work

Here is an observation on Luke 7:36-50. Notice that the sinful woman broke open an alabaster flask of ointment. According to Brooks who may have gotten it from Tim Keller(?), this flask was worn around her neck and was a tool of her trade (prostitution). She gave up her sinful life work in one beautiful act of repentance.

Acts and the building of the Church (Hall of Tyrannus)

I've been reading through Acts and thinking about Church growth. Here are some key passages. Notice the amount of time Paul spends training people. Notice how he changes tactics.

and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.(Acts 5:40-42 (ESV))

"You know that I [Paul] have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house." (Acts 20:20)

But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.(Acts 19:9-10)

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. (Acts 18:9-11) (ESV))

Holiness and accomplishments -- Clarkson on John Owen

Select Works By David Clarkson, B. H. Cooper, J. Blackburn, Wycliffe Society, Wycliffe society:

"A great light is fallen; one of eminency for holiness, learning, parts, and abilities; a pastor, a scholar, a divine of the first magnitude; holiness gave a Divine lustre to his other accomplishments, it shined in his whole course, and was diffused through his whole conversation. I need not tell you of this that knew him, and observed that it was his great design to promote holiness in the power, life, and exercise of it among you. It was his great complaint that the power of it declined among professors. It was his care and endeavour to prevent or cure spiritual decays in his own flock."

This is from a funeral sermon by David Clarkson in memorium for John Owen.

Piper on Freedom of the Will

Most of these posts deal with work. What I have in mind here in quoting Piper commenting on Augustinian thought is that our enjoyment of work not only comes from God, but our enjoyment of work may depend on how our work brings us closer to God. In either case, we enjoy work because God gives us the ability to enjoy work and because we enjoy the utimate giver of our work, God. We need to enjoy work because God has given us work to enjoy because doing our work well glorifies God.

Piper quotes Augustine twice:

Who has it in his power to have such a motive present to his mind that his will shall be influenced to believe? Who can welcome in his mind something which does not give him delight? But who has it in his power to ensure that something that will delight him will turn up. Or that he will take delight in what turns up? If those things delight us which serve our advancement towards God, that is due not to our own whim or industry or meritorious works, but to the inspiration of God and to the grace which he bestows

He defines it clearly in On Christian Doctrine (III, x, 16). "I call 'charity' [i.e., love for God] the motion of the soul toward the enjoyment of God for His own sake, and the enjoyment of one's self and of one's neighbor for the sake of God." Loving God is always conceived of essentially as delighting in God and in anything else for his sake.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/1474_The_Swan_is_Not_Silent/

Psalm 111:2,3,4

Great are the works of the Lord; studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered,
the Lord is gracious and merciful. (ESV)

Work here refers the redemptive deeds of the Lord as in the Exodus. God's work and not just his attributes need to be praised. The current worship songs are great on repeating phrases on vague attributes, but many of these songs make scant reference to the redemptive acts God has performed for us. These redemptive acts, these works need to be studied, praised, and meditated upon.

see cross reference: 119:27

In His Name.

Baseball Terms

Can of Corn -- Easy fly for the outfielder to catch.
Duck snort -- A weak single that falls between the infielders and outfielders.
Dead Pull Hitter -- hits to the same side of the field as he hits. LHB hits to the left field most of the time.
Double-Play Ball - a ball that is hit in the infield that is "tailored made" for an easy double-play.
Dying Quail -- A ball that falls unexpectedly in front of the outfielder for a hit.
zeroes - a perfect game (0-0-0)

Those who delight to fear His name

Nehemiah 1:11

Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.

ESV

Isaiah 11:1-3

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.

ESV

These verses are a good proof text of Christian Hedonism.

Jonathan and the Lord's Work

I need to study the phrase "Perhaps the Lord will work for us." It is not a whim of fancy, this is a step of faith and of the Holy Spirit's prompting. Also the armor bearer's response is really good.

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." And his armor-bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul."

Oration, meditatio, tentatio

Luther asserted there were three practices necessary to become a biblical theologian:
Oration (prayer), meditatio (meditation), and tentatio (trials).

The passage that best demonstrates this in scripture in Psalm 119:

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces

Edwards on business II

Edwards writes about Christian service, which I translate as good works:

In order to men's being true Christians, it is necessary that they prosecute the business of religion and the service of God with great earnestness and diligence, as the work which they devote themselves to, and make the main business of their lives.

p. 310

Religious Affections

by Jonathan Edwards.

Note: this is both good works and pursuing holiness.

Edwards on business

The principle Edwards is writing about is "Gracious and holy affections have their exercise and fruit in Christian practice."

The second and third implications are

That he(the Christian man) makes a business of such a holy practice above all things; that it be a business which he is chiefly engaged in, and devoted to, and pursues with highest earnestness and diligence; so that he may be said to make this practice of religion (Christianity) religion eminently his work and business. And, 3. That he persists in it to the end of life; so that it may be said, not only to be his business at certain seasons, the business of Sabbath days, or certain extraordinary times, or the business of a month, or a year, or of seven years, or his business under certain circumstances; but the business of his life; it being that business which he perseveres in through all changes, and under all trials as long as he lives.

pp. 308-309. Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards.

Note: Edwards further explains that Christian practice is obedience to the Word of God and holiness.

Christ as our co-worker

God as our Co-Worker

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain."

(2 Cor. 6:1)

“And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs”

Mark 16:20.

"For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building."

1 Cor. 3:9

Paul on Work in Acts

I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Acts 20:33-34

Paul's view of work interests me. His desire to provide for himself and others is in stark contrast to the ministries I know. However, Paul does collect money from the churches to help the poor. He also writes that we should not muzzle the ox. This topic definitely needs more meditation.

Edwards on the Works of God

The glorifying of God's moral perfections is the special end of all the works of God's hands.

p. 199 Religious Affections

Edwards on the Word

Jonathan writes about the excellency of the work in Religious Affections p. 200.

Take away all the moral beauty and sweetness in the Word, and the Bible is left wholly a dead letter, a dry, lifeless, tasteless thing.

A Benedictine Contradiction

Here is a St. Benedict quote from Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris p.17. The book is interesting, but Oprahish in its spirituality.

A monastery is never without guests.

From a Protestant point of view I find the attraction of monasteries to the unbelieving world around fascinating.

Christian Reading List

Here is a list of books of Christian authors that I have read that people have recommended. Obviously, these authors have authored other great books that are very much worth reading.
On the Incarnation by Athansius
Confessions by Augustine
City of God by Augustine
Bondage of the Will by Luther
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards

Zechariah: Keep your hands strong

Here's a principle I considering: The prophecies of the Lord considering future blessing of His people, shall allow His people to stay strong on their current walk. I need to meditate more with the context of what "Let your hands be strong."

In Zechariah 8:9:

Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of host was laid, that the temple might be built.

In Zechariah 8:11-13

But now I will not deal with remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the Lord of hosts. for there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong

David Brainerd

I was listening to Piper's talk on David Brainerd. This is probably the best Branierd quote that describes best his own life.

"Oh, that I may never loiter on my heavenly journey!"

New Creation and Animals

R. C. Sproul writing on Romans 8:21, makes the observation about pets:

Little children, for example, who lose pets often ask me the question, Will their dog or their cat be in heaven? Most theologians answer that question by saying, 'No, of course not, because they don't have souls.' I don't know whether they have souls or don't have souls -- I know they are not created in the image of God in the sense that we are--but I have every reason to expect a new earth that is populated by glorified dogs and cats and canaries and redeemed snakes, if you will!

p. 141 The Gospel of God: Romans

Pretty cool idea.

Scripture and Ephrem the Syrian

From Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris.

Scripture brought me to the gate of paradise, and the mind stood in wonder as it entered.

p. xxi.

Psalm 111

Psalm 111:4 reads:

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.

Psalm 78:4

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

God's work and Man's rule

In Psalms 8:6-8

You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

(NASB)

This just re-iterates what it says in Gen. 1:26

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

(NASB)

Animals are under our dominion and they our responsibility. They are for our use, but they are also under our care. We should not place them equal to us, but neither should we treat them cruelly. Animals are the work of God and thus, should be treated with respect.

Nehemiah and Work II

When the wall of Jerusalem was finished in spite of the opposition of the surrounding nations. Nehemiah reports this reaction.

And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 6:16 (ESV)

I have to think about this passage's implications. I tend to doubt people should use this verse to support their building programs.

Nehemiah and work

All the returned exiles were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Each tribe was assigned a section. The author of Nehemiah noted this attitude among the Tekoites.

And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.

Nehemiah 3:5 (ESV)

This was a great work, but since it was manual labor, the nobles of the Tekoites would not stoop to serve the Lord. Wow. What arrogance! May we all be willing to stoop to server our Lord.

Edwards and Affections

If the great things of religion are rightly understood, they will affect the heart. The reason why men are not affected by such infinitely great, important, glorious, and wonderful things, as they often hear and read of in the Word of God, is undoubtedly because they are blind; if they were not so, it would be impossible, and utterly inconsistent with human nature, that their hearts should be otherwise than strongly impressed, and greatly moved by such things.

p. 50. Religious Affections

One of the treasures that abound in Edwards's writings.

Uzziah and Prosperity

2 Chronicles 26:3-5

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

(ESV).

Again, can we really translate what God did for a godly king of Judah to the Church?

Work and Jehoshaphat

2 Chronicles 20:35-37

After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel. He acted wickedly in so doing. So he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion-geber. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat saying, "Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works." So the ships were broken and could not go to Tarshish.

(NASB)

Because Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahaziah and did not trust the Lord, the Lord destroyed his works.

Asa and Work (2 Chronicles).

2 Chronicles 15:1-7.

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded, and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and without law, but when in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city, for God troubled them with every sort of distress. But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded."

Is this promise for us? Asa and his people were in the process of rebuilding the walled cities and fighting the invaders. They sought to restore Judah back to its former glory.

God given Wisdom

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom which God had put into his mind. (ESV) II Chron. 9:22

God's wisdom can be attractive to the world rulers.

Levites and Work (Numbers 8)

In Numbers 8:11:

When you bring the Levites before the LORD, the people of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites, and Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the people of Israel, that they may do the service of the LORD. (ESV)

Aaron presented the Levites as a wave offering to God before the people of Israel so that the Levites can do the "work" or "service" of the Lord. In Leviticus 23:7, the wave offering is defined as what is done with the first sheaf of wheat of the harvest and how it is to be presented to the Lord.

I have to think about how this relates to work and the Lord's work.

Luther on Work

Alister McGrath in First Things.
"In this view, Christians were called to be priests to the world, purifying and sanctifying its everyday life from within. Luther stated this point succinctly when commenting on Genesis 13:13: "What seem to be secular works are actually the praise of God and represent an obedience which is well-pleasing to him." (http://www.firstthings.com/article.php3?id_article=3175)

Hannah and Work

In I Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,
and on them he has set the world.

This is part of the prayer that Hannah prayed after she gave birth to Samuel and brought him to the temple for him to serve there. One's economic status is totally dependent on God.

Charles Preuss and Work

I went to a Sarah Vowell talk last night. She spent quite a bit of time on Charles Preuss. Pruess was the cartographer on three Fremont expeditions. His maps were key to the United States's expansion into the West. He was very good at making beautiful maps with side notes that provided useful information for pioneers. He found his calling, Sarah said, but he hated life in the frontier. To do the work he loved, he had to live in a way he hated. For health reasons, he gave up the expeditions at age 50. He committed suicide in 1854.

Moses and the celebration of Work

Deuteronomy 16 13-15

“You shall celebrate the Feast of Booths seven days after you have gathered in from your threshing floor and your wine vat; and you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter and your male and female servants and the Levite and the stranger and the orphan and the widow who are in your towns.

“Seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.

NASB

Celebration, Productivity, God's Blessing, Joy and Work are all tied together in this passage.

I did some research on "altogether joyful." The emphasis was on community according to this one commentator. The celebration was elaborate and each Israelite was responsible to be joyful and to make every one in Israel joyful on this occasion. The celebration was a thanksgivings to God for His bountiful provision and His acts of salvation in the past.

The priests garments in exodus

Exodus 28

28:1 “And you, bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him from among the Israelites, so that they may minister as my priests – Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 28:2 You must make holy garments for your brother Aaron, for glory and for beauty. 28:3 You are to speak to all who are specially skilled, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, so that they may make Aaron’s garments to set him apart to minister as my priest. 28:4 Now these are the garments that they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make holy garments for your brother Aaron and for his sons, that they may minister as my priests. 28:5 The artisans are to use the gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen.

28:6 “They are to make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen, the work of an artistic designer. 28:7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be joined together. 28:8 The artistically woven waistband of the ephod that is on it is to be like it, of one piece with the ephod, 18 of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen.

28:9 “You are to take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, 28:10 six of their names on one stone, and the six remaining names on the second stone, according to the order of their birth. 28:11 You are to engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel with the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a seal; you are to have them set in gold filigree settings. 28:12 You are to put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod, stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron will bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial. 28:13 You are to make filigree settings of gold 28:14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a cord, and attach the chains to the settings.

28:15 “You are to make a breastpiece for use in making decisions, the work of an artistic designer; you are to make it in the same fashion as the ephod; you are to make it of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen. 28:16 It is to be square when doubled, nine inches long and nine inches wide. 28:17 You are to set in it a setting for stones, four rows of stones, a row with a ruby, a topaz, and a beryl – the first row; 28:18 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 28:19 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 28:20 and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They are to be enclosed in gold in their filigree settings. 28:21 The stones are to be for the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to the number of their names. Each name according to the twelve tribes is to be like the engravings of a seal.

28:22 “You are to make for the breastpiece braided chains like cords of pure gold, 28:23 and you are to make for the breastpiece two gold rings and attach the two rings to the upper two ends of the breastpiece. 28:24 You are to attach the two gold chains to the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece; 28:25 the other two ends of the two chains you will attach to the two settings and then attach them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front of it. 28:26 You are to make two rings of gold and put them on the other two ends of the breastpiece, on its edge that is on the inner side of the ephod. 28:27 You are to make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the juncture above the waistband of the ephod. 28:28 They are to tie the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod by blue cord, so that it may be above the waistband of the ephod, and so that the breastpiece will not be loose from the ephod. 28:29 Aaron will bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of decision over his heart when he goes into the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.

28:30 “You are to put the Urim and the Thummim into the breastpiece of decision; and they are to be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord. Aaron is to bear the decisions of the Israelites over his heart before the Lord continually.

28:31 “You are to make the robe of the ephod completely blue. 28:32 There is to be an opening in its top in the center of it, with an edge all around the opening, the work of a weaver, like the opening of a collar, so that it cannot be torn. 28:33 You are to make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet all around its hem and bells of gold between them all around. 28:34 The pattern is to be a gold bell and a pomegranate, a gold bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe. 28:35 The robe is to be on Aaron as he ministers, and his sound will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he leaves, so that he does not die.

28:36 “You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it the way a seal is engraved: “Holiness to the Lord.” 28:37 You are to attach to it a blue cord so that it will be on the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban, 28:38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron will bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the Israelites are to sanctify by all their holy gifts; it will always be on his forehead, for their acceptance 61 before the Lord. 28:39 You are to weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen, and make the sash the work of an embroiderer.

I've been reading through the Bible fairly consistently. My wife encourages me to read aloud to her. Last night I was reading the above passage aloud to my wife rather quickly. I didn't think I would get anything from this passage. However, notice the picture of the priestly garments. The names of the tribes of Israel are over the priests' hearts. In front of the priests' head is inscribed on a plate, "Holiness to the Lord." This is obviously worth more study. The judgement of the sons of Israel is over the priest's heart. The "Holiness of God" is at the forefront of his head. Oh, what a picture of Christ.

Never take any passage of scripture for granted.

Moses and Rest

Exodus 31:12-25

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep my Sabbaths, 14 for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. So you must keep the Sabbath, for it is holy for you. Everyone who defiles it must surely be put to death; indeed, if anyone does any work on it, then that person will be cut off from among his people. Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord; anyone who does work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. The Israelites must keep the Sabbath by observing the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”

Notice the polymorphism. I'm not sure how God is refreshed, but His example on the pace of work is very interesting.

Standing before Kings and Work

Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.

Proverbs 22:29

I always thought "standing before kings" would be a good thing and it is. However, the movie Chariots of Fire brought forth a different slant on this proverb for me. Eric Liddell was a very skilled runner, but I am sure he did not enjoy standing before the crowned prince of England. The prince was encouraging Eric to run on Sunday in the Olympics. This task Liddell would not do and had to say no. This standing before kings may be an honor, but it may be that you will have to honor God before the princes of this world and only receive honor from God in eternity.

Lewis on Old Books

A quote from C. S. Lewis from his introduction to "On The Incarnation" by Athanasius.

It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones.

He was arguing on how to prevent chronological snobbery in oneself.

Chariots of Fire and Work

In one of my all time favorite movies, Eric Liddell was debating about whether to continue running or go to the overseas mission in China. His counselors advised him:

"run in God's name and let the world stand back in wonder."

Of course, there is the famous quote where Liddell is trying to convince his sister that he should compete in races,

"But I've got a lot of running to do first. Jennie... Jennie... you've got to understand. I believe that God made me for a purpose... for China. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.... To win is to honor Him."

John Carter of Mars and Vocation

In the Warlord of Mars, Edgar Rice Burroughs describes pride in vocation in this way:

If I sometimes seem to take too great pride in my fighting ability, it must be remembered that fighting is my vocation. If your vocation be shoeing horses, or painting pictures, and you can do one or the other better than your fellows, then you are a fool if you are not proud of your ability. And so I am very proud that upon two planets no greater fighter has evet lived than John Carter, Prince of Helium.

p. 551, The Martian Tales Trilogy by Edgar Rice Burroughs. (Barnes and Noble)

John Carter was bestowed this fighting skill by being born on earth and living on Mars. Since he was used to the heavier gravity and thinner atmosphere of Earth, he was naturally quicker and stronger than any three martians. I think Burroughs is indicating a false pride here. Although, I am not positive. However, we are the same way. We have success in work, but God gave us our gifts, created the circumstances, and guided us. Do we have room for boasting? Or rather shall we boast only in Christ?

APTAT

I was listening to a John Piper MP3 on vacation. He has a 5 step Acronym to help people to walk by the spirit: APTAT

Admit (Acknowledge).
Prayer
Trust
Act
Thanksgiving

This is not the link I heard, but it describes the process except he said "Admit" and not "acknowledge" in the talk I heard.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1981/286_Let_Us_Walk_by_the_Spirit/

School of Tyrannus (Acts 19)

I haven't really study the cell church movement or the Emerging church movement. Both groups stress good works in the community and meeting non-Christians where they live. This is very good. However, these movements seem to downplay teaching and doctrine. The model of forming small groups, which reach out, grow and split into other small groups is a fine model. The weakness of this strategy is that if the small groups grow quickly, these leaders have very minimal training in doctrine. If we look at Paul's methodology, we read at least at one point, he stayed put and taught theology for over two years to disciples in Ephesus. Paul wrote Romans and Ephesians. These letters are not user friendly. The training of these leaders need to be addressed. We must guard the deposit of faith and pass it on.

Acts 19:8-10 (ESV)
8And he [Paul] entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.[c] 10This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. (brackets mine)

Was Jesus a Carpenter

At a Promise Keepers (Des Moines 2006) the organizers ran a film clip. In the film I heard it argued that Jesus did not grow up as a carpenter. The assertion is that he was not a carpenter, but was trained from a young age as a Rabbi. They asserted that someone who was called "Rabbi" and who taught in the manner as Jesus did, had to be a Rabbi. Promising boys were sent to Rabbinic school at a young age. Therefore, Jesus was trained as a Rabbi and could not be a carpenter. It is a quaint concept, we are told, to think a simple carpenter confounded the spiritual leaders of the age, but it simply wasn't so. A rabbi confounded other rabbis.

I haven't studied the Jewish custom of someone being addressed as Rabbi. I don't know if it can be a term like how we use "Pastor" today to refer to seminary graduates and self-taught teachers. However, I do think two passages contradict the theory that Jesus was a "trained" rabbi and not a carpenter.

Mark 6:2-3

And on the Sabbbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did ths man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such might works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?

Notice that menial labor is not being denigrated, but rather the people of the audience were saying that they know Jesus. He was not trained as a Rabbi. We know him. He was a carpenter. He is not special. Why should we pay attention to him?

If he went to rabbinical school the audience would know where he has gotten his wisdom. If he was trained by a great Rabbi, they would have treated him with more respect.

John 7:14=15 (ESV)

14About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?

Again, people who knew the Rabbinical schools knew that Jesus did not go to Rabbinical schools. He did not have formal training. I don't know how much clearer scripture can get on this issue.

So in conclusion, what do we make of this? The teaching that Jesus was not a carpenter, but a Rabbi seems to be prevalent among the emergant churches. However, I would believe writers who lived with Jesus before I would believe a strange little guy on a video telling me he researched Jewish culture for years and assuring that knows what he is talking about.

Post script: Nooma produced the Video and Rob Bell was teaching the false doctrine in the video.

In His Name.

G. K. Chesterton and Church

G. K. Chesterton is quoted,
"We do not want, as the newspapers say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world."

Isaiah: Work in Eternity

Isaiah65

17"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.
18"But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create;
For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing
And her people for gladness.
19"I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people;
And there will no longer be heard in her
The voice of weeping and the sound of crying.
20"No longer will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days,
Or an old man who does not live out his days;
For the youth will die at the age of one hundred
And the one who does not reach the age of one hundred
Will be thought accursed.
21"They will build houses and inhabit them;
They will also plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22"They will not build and another inhabit,
They will not plant and another eat;
For as the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people,
And My chosen ones will wear out the work of their hands.
23"They will not labor in vain,
Or bear children for calamity;
For they are the offspring of those blessed by the LORD,
And their descendants with them.
NASB

Work in heaven. Interesting concept. Would anything be more enjoyable is that one will work with great efficacy and be able to enjoy the work of our hands. Without taxes or entropy.

Psalm 78 -- Led with skillful hands

Greg Gilbaugh preaching at North Liberty Church April 22nd, 2007 referenced this passage:

70 He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;

71 from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.

72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them.

A NetBible (www.bible.org) footnotes 98 for Psalms 78 reads that the literal translation is:

98 tn Heb “and with the understanding of his hands he led them.”

From "How the Irish Save Civilization"

Caelum non animum mutant qui trans mare current

"They change their sky but not their soul those who cross the ocean." Horace

p. 196. Thomas Cahill

How the Irish Saved Civilization

Funeral

I attended two funerals lately. Both "deceased" were strong Christians. One funeral, the preacher stressed what an interesting and diverse life this 105-year-old woman lived. The second funeral stressed that although she died young (40 years) she will be missed by many.

The first funeral, the pastor didn't want to explain the gospel. The second funeral stressed the impact this woman had other people. Neither funeral preached the Gospel directly. I understand their reticence. It was a time of mourning.

However, at my funeral, I encourage any speaker at my funeral, please stress this is a man who loves God and here is how you can enter into a relationship with God. Please explain the gospel carefully. So at least in death, I can still reach my loved ones and may accomplish what I did so poorly in life: share the gospel. If people get angry with you, feel free to share this note with them.

God Work

In Psalm 24:5 David writes:

Because they do not regard the works of the Lord or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more.

God wants people to regard his works and not regard their own. God is the boss of man, not man.

Trembles at my words

Isaiah 66:2 reads:

All these things my hand has made
and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

I have no comments. God looks for this in a person, if you don't have this. Do a soul search. Piper just lists this verse to prove his point in The Pleasures of God

Why was Jesus a carpenter?

I was thinking about God as a worker. He created universe. He created because creating brought Him glory and it was His good pleasure. God enjoyed creating. God enjoys His works of creation. God enjoys work.

God chose to become incarnate in the family of a poor carpenter. Jesus was most likely trained to be a carpenter. God is omnipotent; He could have chose any profession and He chose carpentry. Why? Why did the profession of carpentry bring Him the most pleasure as a young man? Things to ponder.

Piper on Faith and Reason

John Piper spoke on the relationship of faith and reason at the Ligioner National Conference 2007. He spoke on 2 Corinthians 4:4-6.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Our job is to present the gospel and the hope that is within us. To communicate the beauty of Christ to the unbeliever. It is God's responsibility to rip the veil over the unbelievers' hearts, to shine the light of the glory of God in the face of Christ in their hearts so that they may believe.

Conversion has its result the love of Christ emanating from the believer.

David having a bad day

David was having a bad day. He couldn't go home to Israel because King Saul was trying to kill him. Philistines had rejected his services three days previous. He just journeyed three days to return to his base camp at Ziklag. He found out the Amalekites had raided his camp; they found the city of Ziklag burned to the ground; and they found out his wives and children were kidnapped. His protection job of protecting Ziklag had just burned up with his possessions. The people who had supported him were now talking about stoning him. He had no where to go. He had no family around, no friends, and no place to live. I Samuel 30 reads that he was greatly distessed. How should David respond? Did David run away from his problems?

The answer is a resounding no. The verse, I Samuel 30:6c reads, "But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."

David then picked up the pieces of his army and chased after the band of Amalekites who took his family. David did not have a self pity party. He strengthened himself in the Lord his God and acted. Amazing.

G. K. Chesterton on Drinking

I heard this on "G. K. Chesterton" on EWTN. I thought this very good.

Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable. Never drink when you are wretched without it, or you will be like the grey-faced gin-drinker in the slum; but drink when you would be happy without it, and you will be like the laughing peasant of Italy. Never drink because you need it, for this is rational drinking, and the way to death and hell. But drink because you do not need it, for this is irrational drinking, and the ancient health of the world.

—G.K. Chesterton, Heretics (1905), in The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton, Volume I (1986), p. 92

Buster and Maxine

My dog Buster, a Maltese, was put to sleep recently. I have also just read "Marley and Me" so I decided I have to write down at least one funny story.

My mother-in-law, Maxine, staid at our house occasionally. She slept downstairs. Buster used to sleep with us on our bed upstairs. When I awakened on a Saturday morning, Buster would follow me to the kitchen. However, when Maxine was staying downstairs, he would invariably stop at the top of the stairs. He would alternately look at me and then look downstairs. After a few moments, I would say, "Buster, go wake up Grandma!" Buster would rush downstairs at full tilt. I would then hear him running and sliding down the hall. I could easily imagine what happened: Buster jumping on top of Maxine and giving her Maltese kisses. The next thing I would hear, was Maxine making noises like she was bothered and started talking to Buster. I would be laughing while I made coffee.

Unless you think I was cruel to my mother-in-law, my wife said Maxine really enjoyed our Buster alarm clock.

May all our guests feel as welcome as Buster made my mother-in-law in our home.

Samurai saying

I was watching a special on Samurais on the history channel. One adage caught my ear, "After victory, tighten your helmet cords."

King David came to mind when I heard this. He staid home when it was time for kings to go to war. He felt he deserved a break. He was successful. He defeated his enemies. He trained his commanders. He went to his roof top to gaze over Jerusalem and admire his accomplishments, and noticed a bathing Bathseba. He fell, he lusted, he committed adultery, he lied, and he murdered. Although he received forgiveness from God, his family was forever affected by this transgression. After victory, tighten your helmet cords.

Lewis on Liberal Theology

Lewis comments on liberal theology.

All the theology of the liberal type involves at some point -- and often involves throughout--the claim that the real behaviour and purpose and teaching of Christ came very rapidly to be misunderstood and misrepresented by his followers, and he has been recovered or exhumed only by modern scholars. Now long before I became interested in theology I had met this kind of theory elsewhere. The tradition of Jowett still dominated the study of ancient philosophy when I was reading Greats. One was brought up to believe that the real meaning of Plato had been misunderstood by Aristotle and wildly travestied by the neo-Platonists, only to be recovered by the moderns. When recovered, it turned out (most fortunately) that Plato had really all along been an English Hegelian, rather like T. H. Green.

Fernseed and Elephants

And thus, the problem with the current trend of books that corrects our interpretation of Jesus sayings today. These authors distrust the gospel writers who lived with Christ or at least knew people who knew Christ personally. How can we trust them who do their reconstructions using modern interpretive methods, which may go out of date next year?

Samuel and Empty things

Samuel was addressing the nation Israel when he was annointing Saul as king:

And Samuel said to the people, "Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty."

I Samuel 12:20-21 (ESB).

Anything that is not done for the Lord is an empty thing.

Moses and Work II

The power to gain wealth is from the Lord.

Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

(Deut. 9:17-18)(ESV)

I just received a pay raise. I worked hard last year, but I only worked 40-45 hours a week and I had no on-call. The previous year, I was very disappointed in my pay raise. I worked much harder, I was oncall, I was much more frustrated, and I averaged over 50 hours a week. I am not saying I deserved a pay raise because I switched jobs to one I was more suited to, but what I am trying to say is God is in control of promotions and pay raises. We must serve and honor him first by working hard, and let him take care of us.

The Puritans and Scripture

J. I. Packer in his book, A Quest for Godliness, on pages 97-98, relates the following story described to John Howe by Dr. Thomas Goodwin about a preacher, Mr. Rogers of Dedham.

having heard much of Mr. Rogers of Dedham [an early Puritan Boanerges]took a journey...to hear him preach on his lecture day....Mr. Rogers was...on the subject of...the Scriptures. And in that sermon he falls into an expostulation with the people about their neglect of the Bible;...he personates God to the people, telling them,'Well, I have trusted you so long with my Bible; you have slighted it, it lies in such and such houses all covered with dust and cobwebs; you care not to listen to it. Do you use my Bible so? Well, you shall have my Bible no longer.' And he takes up the Bible from his cushion, and seemed as if he were going away with it and carrying it from them; but immediately turns again and personates the people to God, falls down on his knees, cries and pleads most earnestly, 'Lord, whatever thou dost to us, take not thy Bible from us; kill our children, burn our houses, destroy our goods; only spare us thy Bible, only take not away thy Bible.' And then he personates God again to the people: 'Say you so? Well I will try you a while longer; and here is my Bible for you. I will see how you will use it, whether you will love it more...observe it more...practice it more, and live more according to it.' By these actions(as the doctor told me) he put all the congregation into so strange a posture that...the place was a mere Bochim, the people generally...deluged with their own tears; and he told me that he himself, when he got out...was fain to hang a quarter of an hour upon the neck of his horse weeping before he had power to mount; so strange an impression was there upon him, and generally upon the people,upon having been expostulated with for neglect of the Bible.

Things to do in and around Iowa city

This a personal list so I can remember where I can take people when they visit me in Iowa City.

1. Natural History Museum in campus.
2. Old Capitol Museum.
3. University of Iowa Art Museum.
4. Plum Grove Historical Site (1st Governor's House.)
5. Wallace Winery (Herbert Hoover Highway just east of West Branch).
6. Herbert Hoover museum in West Branch.
7. Eat at Amanas. Bill Zubers is good and so is Ox Yoke Inn.
8. Swing of the Quad Cities Baseball in Davenport.
9. Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Moses and Work

In Exodus the work started on the tabenacle. Moses called the people to work based on whom the Spirit has filled with skill.

Then Moses said to the people of Israel, "See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he ahs filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs to work in gold and silver and bronze," Exodus 35:30-33

And again in Exodus 36:2

And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. (ESV)

God is a god of quality. God expects good work from his people and good work honors God. Furthermore, the skills of craftsmen and construction are not usually considered skills for worship, but obviously these men in working on the temple, worshipped God. I usually don't advocate vocation, but the way God called and equipped these men for the work, may make me reconsider my views.

James Van Allen and Work

The Des Moines Register honoring Dr. Van Allen after his death in 2006, quoted a colleague:

"His idea of a big time is to go into his labs and just work through the weekend," said one of his associates in the 1980s.

At the memorial service, his colleagues and family indicated that he loved research. He would keep a tight schedule. Monday through Saturday, Dr. Van Allen would leave the house for work at 7:45 a.m. and come home for dinner at 6:30 p.m. He would eat dinner with his family and then go to his office to work the rest of the evening. On Sunday mornings he would cook waffles for his family and then leave to work 1/2 day or more.

I have never met such a discipline man before.

Hawthorne, Work and Angels

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about a person who worked and did not experience toil. Phoebe worked as if she was an angel who was not touch by the curse of Adam.

There was a spiritual quality in Phoebe's activity. The life of the long and busy day--spent in occupations that might so easily have taken a squalid and ugly aspect--had been made pleasant, and even lovely, by the spontaneous grace with which these homely duties seemed to bloom out of her character; so that labor, while she dealt with it, had the easy and flexible charm of play. Angels do not toil, but let their good works grow out of them; and so did Phoebe.

The House of the Seven Gables. Chapter 5.

The Prophets and Work

Sometimes, God uses the decrease production relative to amount of toil to get a person's or a people's attention. See Haggai 3:15-17

Now then, consider from this day onward. Before stone was placed upon stone in the temple of the Lord, how did you fare? When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were but twenty. I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and mildew and with hail, yet you did not run to me, declares the Lord.

ESV

C. S. Lewis and Work

Leland Ryken writes of Lewis writing about Tyndale.

The wonderful, beautiful integration of Tyndale's world. He utterly denies the medieval distinction between religion and secular life

p. 208 Worldly Saints Ryken footnotes Lewis's English Literature in the Sixteenth Century Excluding Drama

In the same paragraph Ryken writes,

Someone else has said that "the Puritan was determined to make earthly things divine, not by forbidding them, but by infusing them with holines."

Rocket Boys and Work

This is from the The Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam Jr. Homer wanted to quit making rockets after an accident in the mine injured his father and killed a friend. He felt guilty because he got his friend in trouble and his father assigned Homer's friend, who was a machinist, to work the "face," the most dangerous part of the mine. Homer just told his chemistry teacher, Miss Riley, he wanted to quit making rockets.

"You've got to put all your hurt and anger aside so you can do your job," Miss Riley said.

There it was, the West Virginia thing--the almighty job I should have known that was coming. Oh, yes, we all had our job to do in this state, breaking our backs to ship our wealth out to the world so we could turn around the next day and do it all over again for next to nothing. "What's my job?" I demanded harshly.

She ignored my tone. "Your job, Sonny is to build your rockets."

"Why?"

"If for no other reason, because it honors you and this school."

I wanted to run from her, tear out of her classroom and keep going, and never look back. "What if I don't like doing my job?" I argued weakly.

She gave me a look that went down to my marrow. "Then and especially then," she said, "you give it everything you've got."

p. 254. Delacorte Press. copyright 1998.

Jesus and Work/Wealth

Jesus made the following assertions in Luke about money.

Luke 16:10-14
Jesus also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who was informed of accusations that his manager was wasting his assets. So he called the manager in and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Turn in the account of your administration, because you can no longer be my manager.' Then the manager said to himself, 'What should I do, since my master is taking my position away from me? I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm too ashamed to beg. I know what to do so that when I am put out of management, people will welcome me into their homes.' So he contacted his master's debtors one by one. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' The man replied, 'A hundred measures of olive oil.' The manager said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write fifty.' Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' The second man replied, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' The manager said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' The master commended the dishonest manager because he acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their contemporaries than the people of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth, so that when it runs out you will be welcomed into the eternal homes.

"The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you haven't been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will entrust you with the true riches? And if you haven't been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."(net bible)

God gives us wealth to test us. The proper use of wealth is to help others.

Milton and Work

Ryken in his book about the Puritans, Wordly Saints quotes Milton's Paradise Lost about work.

Man hath his daily work of body or mind
Appointed, which declares his dignity
And the regard of Heaven on all his ways

bk. 4, lines 618-620.

Ryken goes onto to write,

We can glimpse here the Puritan belief about God as the one who calls people to tasks, about the dignity of work, about how the proper attitude toward the goals of work can transform every task into a sacred activity.

p. 35.Worldly Saints

Joseph and Work

I heard a sermon the other day (08/13/2006) about Joseph and promotions. The preacher, Greg Gilbaugh, draws three principles from Joseph's life concerning promotions.

1. Promotions are in God's control and not your control.


2. God uses waiting to develop character. Notice that Joseph had to wait 2 years before the cupbearer remembered to tell Pharoah about Joseph.


3. God will promote you to fulfill his purposes and not just to satisfy you.

Jesus and Work

Os Guiness in The Call writes about Jesus and his pre-mission work:

In the second century, Christian apologist, Justin Martyr grew up over the hill from Galilee. Interestingly, he notes that the plows made by Joseph and Jesus were still being used widely in his day. How intriguing to think of Jesus' plow rather than his cross -- to wonder what it was that made his plows and yokes last and stand out

In Mark 6, scripture records that people referred to Jesus as being a carpenter.

Mark 6:2–4
And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” (ESV)

The theological premise that physical/manual labor is honoring to God does not depend on the interpretation of Mark 6:3 or trusting Martyr's witness. Several passages support that work can be a form of worship (Colossians 3:6, 23; 1 Corinthians 10:31). God gives the blessing of enjoying the work of one's own hands to his people (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20). However, the fact that Jesus did work with his hands is an intriguing idea to meditate upon and seems to be supported by scripture and the historical witness. The God of all creation chose the profession of carpentry during his time on earth and he did not choose to be a scribe or a rabbi. All that Christ did on earth glorified His Father in heaven (John 17:4). Only God knows fully knows why, but God chose carpentry as the best way to glorify himself in in "pre-mission" period of Christ's life.

Wisdom and Work

I read Proverbs 8:22-31 and since I was rereading "Zen and the Art of the Motorcycle Maintenance. the passage really stood out to me. ZAMM expounds about quality and excellence in life. The Proverbs passage teaches about the origins of Wisdom and how God used wisdom in creation. Proverbs 8:30-31 teaches:

Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing in the world, His earth, having my delight in the sons of men.

The idea of Pirsig's quality/excellence/arete(greek) has some parallels with Wisdom. Both are an ordering principle of reality. The book Your Work Matters to God by Sherman and Hendricks points out about the above scriptural passage that "Rejoicing" can be translated "play." The authors then teach that Christ is Wisdom and that Christ played before God in his creation and Christ played with man. The other options I found for translating "Rejoicing" are "dancing" or "playing an instrument" or "laughing." I don't think Christ is directly referenced in the passage. I think the author personified "Wisdom" for a point. Wisdom is "skill in living." God used wisdom in ordering and designing the universe. Creating is God's work, God did it with Wisdom, and God enjoy creating. Wisdom is skill in the totality of life. Wisdom is ordering our lives around the ordering principle of the universe: glorifying God. Wisdom is working well, playing well, treating others well and serving God well in everything we do. Our relationship with God should transform every aspect our lives into lives of quality. Pirsig thinks doing tasks well will transform the performer. There is truth in that, but only God can transform a life. Once God transforms a life, one can begin a life of wisdom and quality.

One benefit is that our enjoyment in God and our skill in life should translate to joy of life. God enjoys and delights in his creation. Hs is a master craftsman who takes joy in his work. One way to translate the Proverbs passage "While God created the world, God delighted in wisdom as wisdom danced before God while God created the world." Lewis had Aslan sing Narnia into creation. I can see where Lewis gets that imagery now. The joy of Aslan that Lewis expressed in the Narnian creation, God had for the creation of our universe and mankind.

We are made in the image of God. Thus, as we live skillfully, life and work should be a joy for us. I am not saying we will have it easy, but we should endure suffering as Christ endured suffering, "...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross." Or as book of James exhorts us, "Consider it all joy brethren when you meet trials of various kinds." We can have joy in work in spite of or even because of the suffering.

Spurgeon and Preaching

I read this in C. H. Spurgeon by Dallimore.

During the 1880s a group of American ministers visited England, prompted especially by a desire to hear some of the celebrated preachers of that land

On a Sunday morning they attended the City Temple where Dr. Joseph Parker was the pastor. Some two thousand people filled the building, and Parker's forceful personality dominated the service. His voice was commanding, his language descriptive, his imagination lively, and his manner animated. The sermon was scriptural, the congregation hung upon his words, and the Americans came away saying, "What a wonderful preacher is Joseph Parker!"

In the evening they went to hear Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The building was much larger than the City Temple, and the congregation was more than twice the size. Spurgeon's voice was much more expressive and moving and his oratory noticably superior. But they soon forgot all about the great building, the immense congregation, and the magnificient voice. They even overlooked their intention to compare the various features of the two preachers,and when the service was over they found themselves saying, "What a wonderful Savior is Jesus Christ!"

May everyone who views our ministry have the same reaction to our ministry. Glorify the Master and not the servant!

Luther and Work

From Luther's "Commentary on Galatians in the declaration section (p. 21):

When I have Christian righteousness reigning in my heart, I descend from heaven as the rain makes fruitful the earth; that is to say, I do good works, how and wheresoever the occasion arises. If I am a minister of the Word, I preach, I comfort the brokenhearted, I administer the sacraments. If I am a householder, I govern my house and family well, and in the fear of God. If Iam a servant, I do
my master's business faithfully.

To conclude, whoever is assuredly persuaded that Christ alone is his righteousness, does not only cheerfully and gladly work well in his vocation, but also submits himself through love the the rulers and to their laws, yea, though they be severe, and, if necessity should require, to all manner of burdens, and to all dangers of the present life, because he knows that this is the will of God, and this obedience please Him.

Thomas a Kempis

Spurgeon in his book "The Treasury of David," commenting on Psalm 1 and meditation quotes Thomas a' Kempis:

I have no rest, but in a nook, with The Book.

Noah and Preaching through Work

II Peter 2:5 reads:

"and if he did not spare the ancient world, but did protect Noah, a herald of
righteousness, along with seven others, when God brought a flood on an ungodly world, "

Look at Genesis 6 and 7. Noah was building an Arc. There is nothing about
him going around being a herald or preaching repentance. Most commentaries point
out it was Noah's obedience to God's command was the preaching. Genesis 6:30
reads "And Noah did all that God commanded him – he did indeed." Noah worked on building a gigantic ark for 120 years. It wasn't close to the water. His evil neighbors witnessed this
folly. Noah worked as a carpenter. He wasn't "in" the ministry. He wasn't a doctor. He wasn't a professional preacher. He simply built an ark. God tells us in Ephesians 6

"6:5 Slaves,9 obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart as to Christ, 6:6 not like those who do their work only when someone is
watching11 – as people-pleasers – but as slaves of Christ doing the
will of God from the heart.12 6:7 Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord
and not people, 6:8 because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord. that the master we serve at work is Christ."

When we are at work we are obeying God or should be obeying God. If we work as God wants us to work, working to please Christ by working hard, lovingly and honestly, we too will be heralds to a fallen world without uttering word.

Noah and Work

One of the earliest references to work is found in Genesis:

5:28 When Lamech had lived one hundred and eighty-two years, he had a son. 5:29
He named him Noah, saying, "This one will bring us comfort from our labor and
from the painful toil of our hands because of the ground that the Lord has
cursed."

Notice that the ground was cursed and not work. God didn't curse work and that work is not a result of the fall. Man was not looking for a way out of work. He was looking to be freed from the painful toil of his hands because the ground was cursed. Because God gave man work, work has instrinsic and extrinsic value . The problem with work after the fall is the toil and labor. Work because of the fall, is toil. It can be monotous and painful. Because we are mortal we get bored and frustrated. We know life is short and we try to imbue life with meaning. We try to give a reason for pain and discomfort. Work alone is not the answer. As it says in Ecclesiastes, the enjoyment of work is a gift of God. However, work without the context of God gives life is meaningless chasing after wind.